My election is proof that the poor in India can dream: Murmu in first address as President of India

I belong to the tribal society, and I have got the opportunity to become the President of India. This is the greatness of India: Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday recalled her journey from a tribal hamlet to become the first one to go to college and finally the First Citizen of the country, saying her election is proof that the poor in India can have dreams and fulfil them too.

Her first speech as the President was not just a walk down memory lane, as she underlined her priorities by referring to the need for a sustainable planet, saying she has realised the importance of forests and water bodies in her life since she was born in a tribal tradition that has lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years.

Addressing a gathering of a galaxy of the country's top leaders after her swearing-in, Murmu said it was a "dream" for her to get elementary education from the background she came from but she was determined to remain strong despite obstacles to become the "first daughter of my village to go to college".

Also Read — Droupadi Murmu takes oath as India's 15th President

In a speech that asserted her tribal identity as she recalled the contributions and influence of Birsa Munda and revolutions of the Santhal tribe and others, she said she got the opportunity to rise from serving as a ward councillor to becoming the President of India, which is the "greatness of India, the mother of democracy".

"It is a tribute to the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house in a remote tribal area can reach the highest constitutional position in India. That I attained the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor person in India. My election is proof of the fact that the poor in India can have dreams and fulfil them too," she said to thunderous applause.

Also Read | Prez Murmu reveals her 'original' name, says teacher named her 'Droupadi'

She said it was a "matter of great satisfaction" for those who have been deprived for centuries and those who have been denied the benefits of development, those poor, downtrodden, backwards and tribals are "seeing their reflection in me".

"This election of mine has the blessings of the poor of the country. And it reflects the dreams and potential of crores of women and daughters of the country. This election of mine also shows the courage of today's youth of India who is ready to walk on new paths and shun the beaten tracks. Today I feel proud to lead such a progressive India," she said.

Noting that she has been assigned the new responsibility in the 75th year of independence, the President recalled that it was a coincidence that her political career started when the country was celebrating its 50th year of independence in 1997.

Also Read — Droupadi Murmu takes oath as India's 15th President

"It is my great privilege to be given this responsibility at such a historic time when India is engaged with full vigour in realising its vision for the next 25 years. I also happen to be the first President of the country who was born in independent India," she said.

"Along with this post, the country has also entrusted me with the responsibility of representing this great tradition. In the light of the Constitution, I will discharge my duties with utmost sincerity. For me, the democratic-cultural ideals of India and all the citizens will always be my source of energy," Murmu said.